Abstract: The present disclosure provides electrodes that possess components capable of indicating to an end-user when the electrode is in need of replacement. The electrode includes a substrate and a conductive composition on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate. In embodiments, the conductive composition includes at least one hydrogel and at least one component that precipitates from the hydrogel after repeated use of the electrode, thereby providing an indication to replace the electrode. In other embodiments, the electrodes include a hydrogel in combination with a pH indicator which changes its color or opacity upon repeated use of the electrode, thereby indicating an appropriate time for changing or replacing the electrode.

Abstract: A noise-suppressing electrocardiograph (ECG) adapter having a first end, a second end, and a noise-suppression element is presented, together with an ECG noise-suppressing system and related methods. In an embodiment, the noise-suppressing ECG adapter includes a housing having at least one first connector disposed at a first end of the housing adapted to electrically couple with an ECG lead set, and at least one second connector adapted for coupling to an input of an ECG device. The adapter includes a noise suppression element. The noise suppression element includes a ferromagnetic element having an opening defined therein. In an embodiment the noise suppression element is internal to the adapter. In another embodiment, the noise suppression element is tethered externally to the adapter and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an ECG leadwire.

Abstract: A medical dispenser for storing and dispensing electrodes includes a housing having a front member and a back member, at least one electrode strip disposed between the front member and the back member of the housing and an actuator mounted to the front member of the housing and adapted to engage the at least one electrode strip. The electrode strip includes a strip member and a plurality of electrodes mounted to the strip member. The actuator is movable relative to the front member such that movement of the actuator results in corresponding movement of the at least one electrode strip to dispense an electrode from the housing. The actuator may be adapted to engage an electrode of the at least one electrode strip. In one embodiment, the actuator is adapted to engage a male terminal of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad) and a sacrificial source of moisture is disclosed. The electrode pad and the sacrificial source of moisture are each disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch.

Abstract: A medical electrode includes an electrode member having a top face and a bottom face, an electrical conductor having an unfanned, unsheathed end portion for conducting energy between the electrode member and a medical device, and a patient contacting layer secured to at least a portion of the bottom face of the electrode member. An energy blocking layer is disposed between the unfanned conductor end portion and the electrode member to prevent immediate transfer of energy to the electrode member. A current distributing structure is described to conduct and distribute energy to the electrode member.

Abstract: An electrode includes a pad having a patient contact side and a connector side. The patient contact side includes a conductive layer, and the connector side includes a press stud. An eyelet interconnects the conductive layer with the press stud. The eyelet includes a conductive coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the eyelet that contacts the conductive layer, while other surfaces of the eyelet are substantially free of the conductive coating.

Abstract: A medical dispenser for storing and dispensing electrodes includes a housing having a front member and a back member, at least one electrode strip disposed between the front member and the back member of the housing and an actuator mounted to the front member of the housing and adapted to engage the at least one electrode strip. The electrode strip includes a strip member and a plurality of electrodes mounted to the strip member. The actuator is movable relative to the front member such that movement of the actuator results in corresponding movement of the at least one electrode strip to dispense an electrode from the housing. The actuator may be adapted to engage an electrode of the at least one electrode strip. In one embodiment, the actuator is adapted to engage a male terminal of the electrode.

Abstract: A sensor array apparatus for monitoring medical signals includes a flexible substrate adapted for positioning relative to the torso of a patient. The flexible substrate includes a central segment defining a central axis and is adapted to generally conform to an area extending along the sternum of a patient. The flexible substrate further includes an upper segment extending traversal across the central segment and adapted to generally conform to the chest area of a patient and a lower segment extending traversal across the central segment and adapted to generally conform to the abdominal area of the patient. The apparatus further includes a medical electrode disposed on at least one of the segments and a connector in electrical communication with the medical electrode and adapted to connect to an electronic monitoring system.

Abstract: A noise-suppressing electrocardiograph (ECG) adapter having a first end, a second end, and a noise-suppression element is presented, together with an ECG noise-suppressing system and related methods. In an embodiment, the noise-suppressing ECG adapter includes a housing having at least one first connector disposed at a first end of the housing adapted to electrically couple with an ECG lead set, and at least one second connector adapted for coupling to an input of an ECG device. The adapter includes a noise suppression element. The noise suppression element includes a ferromagnetic element having an opening defined therein. In an embodiment the noise suppression element is internal to the adapter. In another embodiment, the noise suppression element is tethered externally to the adapter and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an ECG leadwire.

Abstract: An electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad) and a sacrificial source of moisture is disclosed. The electrode pad and the sacrificial source of moisture are each disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch.

Abstract: An electrocardiograph (ECG) adapter including an adapter body having a first end and a second end is presented. A monitor connector is positioned at the first end of the adapter body, the monitor connector adapted for coupling to an input of an ECG monitor. A first lead receptacle is positioned at the second end of the adapter body, the first lead receptacle configured to receive a first connector having a first pin configuration. A second lead receptacle is positioned at the second end of the adapter body, the second lead receptacle located adjacent the first lead receptacle and configured to receive a second connector having a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide a wireless electrode having energy conservation. In one embodiment, a wireless electrode includes a radio module coupled to the sensor to wirelessly transmit the cardiac information, an energy source to power the radio module, and an activation mechanism coupled to the energy source, the activation mechanism having an activated state in which power from the energy source is delivered to the radio module and a non-activated state in which power from the energy source is not delivered to the radio module.

Abstract: A medical electrode includes an electrode member having a top face and a bottom face, an electrical conductor having an unfanned, unsheathed end portion for conducting energy between the electrode member and a medical device, and a patient contacting layer secured to at least a portion of the bottom face of the electrode member. An energy blocking layer is disposed between the unfanned conductor end portion and the electrode member to prevent immediate transfer of energy to the electrode member. A current distributing structure is described to conduct and distribute energy to the electrode member.

Abstract: A disposable electrode paddle assembly is provided and includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle assembly supported at the proximal end of the shaft; a spoon supported at the distal end of the shaft; an electrical conductor extending from the handle assembly and establishing an electrical connection at the spoon; and an electrode assembly selectively, electrically connectable to the electrical connection provided at the spoon; wherein the electrode assembly includes a layer of silver/silver-chloride (Ag/AgCl) having one of an increasing and decreasing density extending in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: An electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad), a wire and a shell is disclosed. The electrode pad is disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch. The wire extends from the electrode pad and, in a disclosed embodiment, at least a portion of the wire is attached to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrode pouch (e.g., the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch). The shell includes a valve thereon that is configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch. The valve may be configured to prevent air from entering the electrode pouch. A method of packaging an electrode pad is also disclosed. The method includes providing an electrode pouch, an electrode pad, a wire and a shell. A valve on the shell allows air to exit the electrode pouch.

Abstract: An electrocardiograph (ECG) adapter including an adapter body having a first end and a second end is presented. A monitor connector is positioned at the first end of the adapter body, the monitor connector adapted for coupling to an input of an ECG monitor. A first lead receptacle is positioned at the second end of the adapter body, the first lead receptacle configured to receive a first connector having a first pin configuration. A second lead receptacle is positioned at the second end of the adapter body, the second lead receptacle located adjacent the first lead receptacle and configured to receive a second connector having a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration.

Abstract: A disposable electrode paddle assembly is provided and includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle assembly supported at the proximal end of the shaft; a spoon supported at the distal end of the shaft; an electrical conductor extending from the handle assembly and establishing an electrical connection at the spoon; and an electrode assembly selectively, electrically connectable to the electrical connection provided at the spoon; wherein the electrode assembly includes a layer of silver/silver-chloride (Ag/AgCl) having one of an increasing and decreasing density extending in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A medical electrode includes a backing layer having a top face and a bottom face, and a shrinkable layer covering at least a portion of the top face of the backing layer. Shrinkage of the shrinkable layer results in flexing of a portion of the backing layer to aid placement and attachment of the electrode to the patient.

Abstract: An electrode includes a pad having a patient contact side and a connector side. The patient contact side includes a conductive layer, and the connector side includes a press stud. An eyelet interconnects the conductive layer with the press stud. The eyelet includes a conductive coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the eyelet that contacts the conductive layer, while other surfaces of the eyelet are substantially free of the conductive coating.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electrodes that possess components capable of indicating to an end-user when the electrode is in need of replacement. The electrode includes a substrate and a conductive composition on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate. In embodiments, the conductive composition includes at least one hydrogel and at least one component that precipitates from the hydrogel after repeated use of the electrode, thereby providing an indication to replace the electrode. In other embodiments, the electrodes include a hydrogel in combination with a pH indicator which changes its color or opacity upon repeated use of the electrode, thereby indicating an appropriate time for changing or replacing the electrode.